How To Design An Open Kitchen

Nowadays, the kitchen is more than a place to cook.

People love to cook and chat with guests and family members altogether. Especially with the rapid changes in lifestyle, homeowners like to multifunction to make their everyday chores more manageable. And for such needs, nothing beats an open kitchen. However, it is not a common kitchen layout for many. So, you can feel confused about designing one that fits your lifestyle. In that case, here are the tips you can consider before calling an interior expert 

1. Consider your lifestyle needs 

Every corner of your home should be able to serve your needs. Your kitchen is no exception. So, before choosing the open kitchen layout, think about your lifestyle. If you constantly host gatherings, you should maximize the space. And for the easy movement of the guests and hosts, there should be enough room among the living, dining, and open kitchen areas. 

If you need additional seating space apart from the dining and living room, you can opt for an island bar with chairs. It can serve as a casual dining spot for some quick meals. 

Always try to make your open kitchen family-friendly. Especially if you have kids, choose a layout that allows you to supervise them while you cook. Also, kids and large families mean that your kitchen is a busier place often. For their and your safety, always install materials that prevent any potential risk. For example, for the flooring, the material can be non-slippery. The drawers and cabinets can be childproof and locked. Also, keep the countertops round-edged so that no sharp objects can injure anyone. 

2. Decide which zones to connect 

An open kitchen usually connects the living and dining rooms without a partition. But your home layout and needs might be different from others. If your layout only allows you to connect to living or dining then you can still create an open kitchen. 

You can use multifunctional furniture in the kitchen and the area adjacent to it. For example, if you connect the kitchen and living room, you can go for an island bar countertop in the kitchen. The countertop can seamlessly blend with the dining area. It is better to use open shelving in the kitchen, better if you can include smart storage. 

 

If your kitchen connects to the dining room, consider integrating the dining area into the kitchen design. A kitchen island with seating or a built-in banquette can create a cozy dining nook.

Use consistent design elements, such as matching cabinetry and countertops, to create a cohesive look between the kitchen and dining room. This will make the spaces feel more unified.

Incorporate storage solutions that serve both the kitchen and dining room. For example, a sideboard or buffet can provide extra storage for dining essentials while also serving as a decorative piece. Add decorative elements that tie the kitchen and dining room together. This could include artwork, plants, or a statement light fixture that spans both spaces.

3. Island bars 

An island bar is an essential part of any open kitchen. It serves as an additional countertop. It also is used as a central social gathering place. If you have a compact kitchen, adding an island bar is possible. You just need to be wise with its size. 

For a small-sized open kitchen, adding a rounded island bar is a good choice. It fits your space and fills your needs too. Also, you can place some chairs against the existing countertop for the 

4. Storage Solutions

Ample storage is crucial in an open kitchen to keep the space organized and clutter-free. Using the height of the kitchen can make the open kitchen appear tidier. Installing the upper shelves and cabinets can help to maximize the space.    

Use a mix of upper and lower cabinets, pull-out drawers, and open shelving to store kitchen essentials. Incorporate a pantry for additional storage of dry goods, small appliances, and kitchen supplies. You can consider hidden storage solutions, such as pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, and vertical storage racks, to maximize space.

5. Ventilation

As an open kitchen is directly linked to other dining or common areas, it is more than important for the kitchen to have separate ventilation. Proper ventilation keeps the space fresh and free of cooking odors.

Otherwise, the odor can easily spread to the adjacent room. And it is not an ideal situation for you and your guests. To prevent that, install a high-quality range hood or exhaust fan to remove smoke, steam, and odors. Proper ventilation will also keep the moist away. It prevents mold from growing on the walls and ceiling.

6. Consistent Design

To create a cohesive look, use a consistent design theme and color scheme throughout the open kitchen and connected living spaces. This will make the transition between areas feel seamless and harmonious. Choose materials, finishes, and decor that complement each other and reflect your style.

7. Creating an Open Kitchen Without Removing Walls 

Sometimes it is not possible to remove bricks from an open kitchen. However, it is not impossible to create an open kitchen without removing any brick. You can create a pass-through window in the wall between the kitchen and the adjacent room. This can help open up the space and allow for interaction between the two areas. Add a counter or bar on the other side of the pass-through window for additional seating or serving space.

Use glass partitions or sliding glass doors to separate the kitchen from the adjacent room. This maintains a visual connection while containing cooking smells and noise. For a bit more privacy, consider frosted or textured glass.

Designing an open kitchen requires a skilled approach to maximize space, functionality, and aesthetics. Start by planning the layout to ensure a seamless flow between the kitchen and adjacent living areas. Opt for an island or a peninsula to create a natural boundary while maintaining an open feel. Choose multifunctional furniture and appliances to save space and enhance usability. Incorporate ample storage solutions, such as cabinets, shelves, and drawers, to keep the kitchen organized and clutter-free.